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Discover what SCA has to offer you.

Who

What

Where

Our Programs

Youth Programs

Are you a high school student who is passionate about conservation? Do you like working as part of a team to get things done? Do you just love being outdoors?

Join an SCA camping or commuting crew and plug yourself into SCA’s nationwide network of young conservationists. SCA offers a range of programs for youth ages 15-19. Whether you want to serve in your local community or explore public lands across the country, SCA has something for you! Learn more

Young Adult Programs

Are you a college student or recent graduate age 18 or over with a passion for the environment? Are you ready to travel to new places and take on new challenges? Do you want to ﬁnd a way to turn your conservation interests into a career?

Whether your dream is to lead public programs as a park ranger, trek the backcountry as a ﬁeld scientist, or explore new sustainability solutions as an urban planner, SCA has something for you. Learn more

Gap Year Programs

Are you a recent high school grad looking to take some time to explore different options before college? Are you interested in helping to improve the environment while pushing yourself to grow? You’ve come to the right place. SCA offers a variety of activities to help you gain life experience and perspective during your gap year…all while serving the planet.

You’ll find opportunities in a variety of fields and locations, ranging from team-based programs to individual internships. Our programs will connect you with the most relevant government agencies, nonprofit organizations and corporate sector partners leading the way in conservation and environmental change. Nearly 80,000 young people have gone through SCA gaining conservation, leadership and life skills in the process. Learn more

Field Leaders

Ages 21+. Short- and long-term paid positions leading youth or young adults in SCA conservation crews and projects. You won’t just supervise but will mentor, motivate, and inspire. Along the way, you’ll gain experience and expertise in areas as diverse as trail building, habitat restoration, ﬁre management, and visitor outreach. Learn more

For Parents,Guardians and Mentors

Your child is about to embark on a life-changing experience, where they will have the opportunity to meet new friends, explore potential careers, gain leadership skills, and accomplish hands-on conservation work that will have a lasting impact on the planet.

Benefits of Serving with SCA

Serving with SCA can be the experience of a lifetime, as you come face to face with nature’s biggest challenges, and take responsibility for preserving America’s heritage and the future. Many SCA positions offer stipends, service hours, or academic credit – but the perks don’t end there. Every SCA position offers personal, professional, and global benefits that will stay with you long beyond your term of service.

Live and Work in Amazing Places

As an SCA member, you’ll have the opportunity to work in some of the most beautiful places in the country – from national parks, to historic sites, to urban green spaces. Whether you’re camping in the wilderness or commuting to your local city park, you’ll get to work outdoors and explore new places as you learn about your natural environment.

Make New Friends

SCA members come from all different backgrounds, but they all share a common passion for conservation. Serving with SCA gives you the chance to connect with other young people who share your interests, and develop friendships that last long beyond your SCA term.

Join a Community of Conservation-Minded Individuals

Across the country, a network of over 75,000 SCA alumni are carrying on the mission of service and conservation leadership. Whether you are looking to make professional or personal connections in the environmental field, connecting with other SCA alumni can open up a nation-wide network of people who share your dedication to protecting the planet.

Tackle New Challenges

Whether building muscle on a trail team or tackling a fear of public speaking in an environmental education position, SCA gives you the change to push yourself to new heights and face new challenges. No matter your level of experience, you’ll get to try things you never tried before… and in the process you’ll gain confidence and hone your leadership skills.

Explore Career Options

An SCA position provides an opportunity to discover the challenges and rewards of a career in conservation. SCA offers internships and crew experiences in over 30 conservation-related disciplines. It’s a chance to find out which path best suits you, and how you can put your passion for conserving nature into practice.

Make Career Connections

Many careers have started with an SCA position. You’ll get to experience what it’s like to have a frontline job in the field of conservation. You’ll serve alongside professionals who will guide your work and can serve as valuable contacts later on. Even if you don’t go on to work directly in conservation, professional references from an SCA position can help launch your career no matter what field you pursue.

Receive Professional Trainings and Certifications

As an SCA member you will receive specialized training and valuable experience. In some cases professional certifications are available as part of your position. Opportunities vary depending on the specific position.

Receive a Stipend, Service Hours, or Academic Credit

Many SCA positions offer stipends, travel reimbursement, or academic credit. Some internship positions for applicants age 18 and up are also eligible for AmeriCorps Education Awards and other financial benefits. Opportunities vary depending on the specific position.

Serve the Planet

The work you do as an SCA member helps conserve America’s public lands and the critical wildlife and ecosystems they support. By protecting natural habitats and helping to raise public awareness for conservation issues, SCA members improve the planet and pave the way for a more sustainable future.

Make an Impact

An SCA position is your chance to the serve the earth right now. The work you do makes an immediate positive impact on people, wildlife, and the planet. SCA members are ready to get their hands dirty and put conservation into action.

Stories from the Field

As the saying goes, we are what we eat. And that doesn’t stop with our bodies: the food choices we make greatly affect our environment, as well. But when we push our carts into the supermarket every week, the sheer amount of choice can be overwhelming. How can we go green without turning our food-shopping... Read more